198 NEWFOUI)fDLAND 



introduction to the short account ^ of his remarkable journey 

 across Newfoundland : — 



"Early in the spring of 1822, being in Newfoundland, a 

 far-famed country, in which I felt a most lively interest, and 

 free from professional engagements, I determined upon ex- 

 ploring the interior of this island, a region almost totally 

 unknown, and concerning which and its inhabitants, the Red 

 Indians, who were supposed to occupy the whole of it, the 

 most besotted conjectures were entertained, particularly by the 

 chief delegated public authorities, to which quarter one was 

 inclined to look for some proofs of a feeling of interest for the 

 condition of the country, through the means of which they 

 obtai?ted their bread." 



To a great extent the same may be said in the year of 

 grace 1905. 



After a preliminary run to test the stability of the Indian 

 Sylvester, he added one European to his party ; those in 

 authority in the island proved most unfriendly to Cormack. 

 He says (p. 6) : " It is necessary to mention that the chief 

 Government authority was opposed to the project — and with 

 which he was made acquainted — of obtaining a knowledge of 

 the interior of the country. In consequence of this I was 

 deprived of the services of the European who was, unfortu- 

 nately for me, a stipendiary by local appointment, and I could 

 not add to my party either by hiring or obtaining a volunteer." 

 Notwithstanding this obstacle, Cormack started from Trinity 

 Bay in September 1822. 



When the explorer arrived at the centre of the island, his 

 Indian wished to make for the south coast, but encouraged by 

 promises, &c., he persevered on beside his master. He then 



1 " Narrative of a Journey across the Island of Newfoundland," by W. E. 

 Cormack. The only one ever performed by a European. St. John's, 1873. 



